Pink Lotus, SF Conservatory of Flowers, 2003 - "The lotus and water lily are prominent symbols in Egyptian, Biblical, Classical, European, Indian, and theosophical literature. They relate to creation, regeneration, and the state of the initiate and higher beings, all of whom travel through life's vicissitudes and trials to become at one with the creative source of life in order to return and spread its light to other receptive souls." Sunrise Magazine (2000)
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Gyp-sy also Gip-sy (jps)
One inclined to a nomadic, unconventional way of life.
noun: traveller, roamer, wanderer, bohemian, rover, rambler, nomad, vagabond
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Alessandra de Souza is a photographer, writer and film producer with a 'gypsy' heart!
She has a master's degree in daydreaming and her best skill is to wander around the world searching for colorful inspiration and great excuses to be silly and have fun.
When she is not having an adventure around the globe, this gypsy girl can often be found sipping masala chai, napping in the sunshine or walking the streets of San Francisco with her camera.
Gypsy Alex is available for freelance writing, travel and photography assignments. Please contact her at gypsygirlsguide@gmail.com with exciting and serious business propositions.
If you're interested in purchasing her professional high quality Photography prints, please visit her Etsy store: http://www.gypsygirlsguide.etsy.com
Thank you for stopping by!
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All writings and photographs are copyright and property of Alessandra de Souza. You may not reproduce any of her works in any matter without permission. If you wish to use her images and writings to promote her work on your website, you must give her the appropriate, visible and full credit where it applies. Thank you.
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Read more:
I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and from an early age, I was fascinated by my country's mixture of cultures. The traditions of the indigenous tribes, Portuguese, West Africans, Japanese, Arabics, Germans and Italians were all blended and reflected in Brazil's exuberant music, dance, typical foods, folklore tales, etc. So I saw the world through Brazil's diversity and all that richness created in me a strong desire to fearlessly embrace travel. I craved to see, taste and experience more of all cultures.
So I started my Gypsy Girl's life abroad in 1990, when I was 17 years old, to my parents total despair. We did not have the money, the status or the open mind to assimilate that I wanted to be a world traveler, or worse, that I was going solo! However, we all learned that when you set your mind to anything, you can make it happen. Since then, I've been to many many corners of the world. And If you read my story in this blog, you'll learn how things actually played out for me.
I ended up living for a few months here and there and everywhere. Eventually, I found the place where my heart lives, I found true love and a gorgeous city where I can freely play: San Francisco, California. Here I enjoy the crisp Nor Cal air, I'm close to the ocean, I'm close to the mountains, I'm fairly close to the desert, I'm close to the amazing Redwoods, I practice yoga, I dance, I paint, I dress up in costumes now and then, I illustrate, I take colorful photographs and I also produce visual effects for Hollywood movies! My family, my country and my Brazilian tribe are still a huge part of who I am. But I am here now, and as hard as it is to admit it sometimes... I'm here by choice. I'm here to find my way once again, to share my stories with you and to go on more travels... But more importantly, I'm here to focus on the main journey which is Life, so I can understand the reason behind all of this.
Gypsy Girls Guide emerged when I realized that I've been able to lead a life that is interesting to many people. For some, it even feels unattainable and a very wild lifestyle! So I'm here to open up and tell you how it happened for me, an ordinary Brazilian girl. I hope that my story can inspire others (especially other women) to travel, get on their life's path and have fun with it. I was able to do it by going one step at a time and by having lots of faith that this was the right direction for me (just because my heart said so!). You'll see that it wasn't always easy and that I'm not the "over achiever" type. But the truth is that I stuck with the thought that when you are following your heart, miracles unfold. And that's why I'm here, folks! I'm here to tell you the good news, and to also remind myself: We choose our way. We can reinvent it over and over. We have the power to create our lives.
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Your way begins on the other side
Become the sky
Walk out like someone
Suddenly born into color
Do it now
*Rumi*
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